Some stories are written with patience. Miguel Vargas’ journey with the Chicago White Sox is one of them. Just two years ago, when the Cuban arrived on the South Side of the Windy City in 2024, the outlook was bleak: a difficult start, a rebuilding team, and a player trying to find his place in the major leagues.
Today, the picture is different. The White Sox are in the playoffs, and Vargas is one of the key figures behind their resurgence.
“It’s Been a Rebuilding Year.”
During the workout ahead of the playoff game, Vargas spoke to reporters with the composure of someone who knows he has traveled a long, rocky road.
“It feels really good to be where we are right now. I feel like this is what we play for, and it was kind of a rebuilding year for us. With the way we went about this year, I know a lot of people didn’t believe we could turn things around this quickly. I think we all believe in each other, and it’s been a great journey for me, for sure.”
His 2026 numbers back up those words. Vargas finished the regular season with a .251 batting average and an .843 OPS, along with 33 home runs, 31 doubles, 92 RBIs, 101 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. He also became the third player in White Sox history to join the 30–20 club, alongside Magglio Ordóñez (2001) and Luis Robert Jr. (2023). His 5.3 WAR and 135 OPS+ place him among the American League’s best. He also earned his first All-Star selection.
“A Lot of Tough Nights and Difficult Days.”
Vargas was reminded of the photograph of him in the dugout that circulated a few weeks earlier, when the team was going through one of its most difficult stretches. He did not shy away from the question.
“Yeah, I know. It’s been a long road for me, too. A lot of tough nights and difficult days, but I think that’s why I’m enjoying this moment a little more than maybe I should, because I know how hard I worked for this moment and to be in the position we’re in now.”
“I’m very proud of my teammates for helping me throughout the year, for supporting me and pushing me every day. It’s been a lot of fun playing alongside them, going to the ballpark with them, spending time together, winning baseball games, and, you know, proving some people wrong. I think that’s been fun, and it’s been the best part.”
Miguel Vargas and His Connection With Murakami.
One topic that has drawn considerable interest is his relationship with Japanese teammate Murakami. Vargas made no secret of his admiration.
“I think we’ve had a really good relationship since day one. He’s a special guy. He’s someone you want to be around and learn from. His work ethic is incredible, and he cares about winning. He’s a winner. He’s won in Japan. He won the World Baseball Classic, then he came here, and now we’re in the playoffs.”
But their bond extends beyond baseball.
“Beyond the field, I think I’ve had some really good conversations with him away from baseball, and I keep some of those personal conversations to myself because they’ve helped me a lot. I think he’s one of my best friends, and it’s been a pleasure sharing the field with him this year.”
Vargas also expressed his excitement about the upcoming game.
“Yeah, 100 percent. I think we’re all excited for tomorrow. I think we’re all very proud of what we’ve done this year and where we are right now. We feel like we all deserve to be here. We all know it’s going to be an important day for us, and a lot of us already have experience in a game like tomorrow’s. We’re really excited about what we can do out there.”
Asked about returning to the ballpark where the team endured one of its toughest stretches in August and September, he was clear:
“I think we’re in a great position, much better right now than the last time we played against them during the season. I think it’s a completely new situation for us. For them, too. It’s a playoff game, and everyone on both teams knows how important it is. We’re ready and excited about how far we’ve come.”
Miguel Vargas arrived in Chicago in 2024 and endured a difficult beginning. Today, two years later, he is one of the leaders of a team returning to the playoffs—a player who has shown that patience, hard work, and belief in oneself can bring their reward.
